Mechanical Systems & Integration Engineer

Job Description

About BrightSpot Automation

BrightSpot Automation is a growing engineering and technology company in Boulder, Colorado, developing and manufacturing advanced imaging and testing equipment for the solar energy industry. Our equipment is helping advance two of today's most exciting technology frontiers: next-generation solar power for satellites and spacecraft, and high-performance solar technologies driving the global transition to clean energy. Our customers include leading solar manufacturers, research institutions, and companies developing next-generation solar technologies for space and terrestrial applications.

We are a small, collaborative team where engineers work across the entire product lifecycle—from initial design through fabrication, assembly, testing, and customer installation.

The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Systems & Integration Engineer to help design, build, and integrate custom mechanical systems for our specialized imaging and testing equipment.

Working closely with our Head of Metrology Operations and multidisciplinary engineering team, you will develop mechanical designs involving machined components, sheet-metal enclosures, aluminum extrusion framing, optical equipment, electronics, and automated mechanisms.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys both CAD design and working directly with hardware. You will see your designs become working equipment, help coordinate manufacturing projects, and progressively take on responsibility for commissioning and customer installations in the United States and internationally.

We value practical engineering skills, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to solve problems in a small, growing company.

Primary Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Engineering

• Design mechanical assemblies using SolidWorks, including machined parts, sheet-metal enclosures, 80/20 aluminum extrusion framing, camera mounts, and custom fixtures.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles, including statics, structural loads, stiffness, deflection, stability, and design for automated or moving mechanisms.
• Prepare detailed fabrication drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, operating procedures, and test documentation.
• Integrate optical, electrical, and electronic components into mechanical designs.
• Coordinate with machine shops, fabricators, vendors, and assembly technicians to resolve design and manufacturing challenges.
• Improve existing product designs to simplify fabrication, assembly, shipping, installation, and maintenance.

Project Coordination & Equipment Integration

• Manage engineering tasks and project schedules for assigned equipment builds in coordination with the Head of Operations.
• Track engineering deliverables and coordinate purchasing, fabrication, assembly, testing, and installation activities.
• Identify technical challenges, scheduling risks, and opportunities to improve project execution.
• Participate directly in equipment assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

Customer Interaction & Installations

• Interface with customers to understand equipment specifications, application requirements, and design challenges.
• Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Develop the capability to independently lead customer installations, including international travel.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and equipment integration issues at customer facilities.
• Provide equipment training and support during customer installations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, mechatronics, engineering physics, robotics, or a related field with substantial mechanical design coursework, or equivalent relevant technical education and experience.
• Approximately 2–5 years of relevant engineering experience, or demonstrated equivalent technical skills and accomplishments.
• Strong SolidWorks proficiency , including 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed fabrication drawings.
• Experience designing mechanical assemblies for fabrication, particularly machined parts, sheet-metal components, and aluminum extrusion structures.
• Experience with overcoming fabrication challenges, including integrating DFM and GD&T principles into designs.
• Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, including structural analysis, statics, and mechanical motion.
• Familiarity with integrating electrical and electronic assemblies into mechanical designs.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting skills.
• Good organizational, project coordination, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing technical documentation, reports, SOPs, assembly instructions, and equipment records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on varied engineering projects.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for customer installations.
• Ability to work full-time onsite at our Boulder, Colorado facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• SolidWorks certification at any level.
• Experience designing custom equipment, automation systems, scientific instruments, or optical equipment.
• Familiarity with 80/20 framing, sheet-metal fabrication, machining processes, and design for manufacturability.
• Experience designing mechanical motion systems incorporating motors, actuators, or linear motion components.
• Experience coordinating equipment builds, manufacturing schedules, and vendor activities.
• Experience assembling, commissioning, installing, or servicing technical equipment at customer facilities.

What We Offer

• Opportunities to design and build specialized equipment used by customers around the world.
• Broad engineering responsibilities spanning mechanical design, fabrication, automation, system integration, and installation.
• Direct collaboration with experienced engineers and company leadership.
• A small, collaborative work environment with significant opportunities for professional growth and increasing responsibility.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary: $80,000–$100,000 , depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

• Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• 20 days of paid time off annually.
• Paid sick leave.
• Eight paid company holidays.

Work Location & Start Date

This position is 100% onsite in Boulder, Colorado . Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available.

We are seeking a candidate who can begin employment no later than January 15, 2027 .

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require visa sponsorship for employment.

How to Apply

Apply through LinkedIn with your résumé. We particularly welcome examples or brief descriptions of mechanical systems you have designed using SolidWorks and taken through fabrication or assembly.

Application deadline: November 30, 2026.

Applicants may redact age-identifying information, including dates of birth and dates of school attendance or graduation, from their application materials without penalty.

BrightSpot Automation is an equal opportunity employer.